Sevens above…Luke out to shine
LUKE MORGAN plans to turn a few heads after being handed his first Wales cap after a mere six games as a full-time professional in the 15-a-side game.
The meteoric rise of the 26-year-old Ospreys wing will hit a new high after he was named by Warren Gatland to face Scotland tomorrow.
Wales’ top finisher in the world sevens series with 131 tries in 202 matches, Morgan intends to make the most of an opportunity gifted to him by an injury to Hallam Amos and the unavailability of Josh Adams.
“I’ve never played at Principality Stadium before and it will be the pinnacle of my career to run out there. I need to make sure I take my chance – my plan is to try to turn a few heads,” said Morgan. “Since the sevens World Cup in May, things have progressed very, very quickly. It is my first full season in 15-a-side rugby and, luckily for me, things have gone through the roof.”
Scarlets flyer Steff Evans had to be content with a seat on the bench, but Gatland is excited by what Morgan can bring as the countdown to next year’s World Cup in Japan begins in earnest.
“He’s taken his chance at the Ospreys and we are looking for a bit more depth. Not having Josh Adams available this weekend means he gets an opportunity,” said Gatland.
“There’s a bit of competition between him and Steff Evans but there is a little bit of X-factor about him.” Jarrod Evans, the Cardiff Blues outside half, is the only other uncapped player in the 23, with clubmate Gareth Anscombe being given the No 10 jersey from the start. That will put him up against Scotland rookie Adam Hastings in what Gatland sees as a key battle.
“Adam Hastings has had some international experience at No10 but there will be some pressure on him to play in Cardiff. We have to make sure we put as much pressure on him as we possibly can,” said Gatland.
“There is no doubt he is a quality player with a pretty good pedigree. I’m sure he has had plenty of advice about handling the pressure. But if a player is playing at the next level up in terms of physicality and intensity, we need to bring that to make it difficult for him. It is going to be a tough, physical encounter.” Edinburgh flanker Jamie Ritchie is another Scotland novice – he will win his third cap tomorrow – but like Hastings, he knows he needs to impress to make the squad for next year’s World Cup.
“It’s not about being comfortable, it’s about imposing yourself on the game and that’s what I’ll be looking to do,” he said. “It’s a huge opportunity for me. Gregor’s backed me to start this game and I’m looking to grab the chance with both hands.”
WALES: Replacements: